Chapter 123: Chapter 123: A Peaceful Morning
The people in front were walking so quickly that Summer Lancaster had to jog to keep up. They stopped for some reason, and she saw Kenneth Yates turn back toward her. He took the documents she was holding, then draped an arm over her shoulder. Seeing this, Zane Fletcher hurried to take the items from Kenneth Yates’s hands. Kenneth Yates pulled her into his arms, slowing down to match her pace.
"I—I’m fine. I can keep up," Summer Lancaster stammered, her face flushing as she burrowed into Kenneth Yates’s arms. A lot of staff were watching them, especially Zane Fletcher and Eleanor Grant. ’This probably isn’t a good look in front of them.’
Kenneth Yates didn’t reply, simply protecting Summer Lancaster as he carefully guided her downstairs. The driver had been waiting for them, and they arrived at the airport right on time. Zane Fletcher handled check-in for everyone. They were in first class; Summer Lancaster and Kenneth Yates sat next to each other, with Zane Fletcher and Eleanor Grant seated behind them.
Summer Lancaster fell asleep soon after they boarded the plane, resting soundly against Kenneth Yates’s shoulder. Kenneth Yates contentedly stroked her cheek. ’Something feels off about this trip.’ He had been uneasy about leaving Summer Lancaster alone at the Ayers Group, which was why he brought her with him. ’Only when she’s by my side, within arm’s reach, can I feel at ease.’
The pre-dawn hours were quiet yet vibrant. Looking out the window, the view was a kaleidoscope of brilliant, glittering lights. The ceaseless flow of traffic below carried an energy entirely different from what they knew back home. Yes, it seemed the nightlife here was just getting started.
When Summer Lancaster woke up, she found herself in a bed. Her first instinct told her she was home. ’But wait,’ she thought, ’I came to Ameris with Kenneth Yates. How could I be home?’
Summer Lancaster threw back the covers and walked barefoot toward a lighted doorway. The door was ajar, not fully closed. Through the opening, she could see Kenneth Yates, wearing glasses and looking at something with intense concentration. She went back to the bed, changed her clothes, and then stood by the window to gaze outside. ’I wish I could wake up in his arms every day, to watch his handsome face as he sleeps, to touch him...’
There were very few ethnic Chinese people on the streets below. Everyone was communicating in fluent English. Their bright blue eyes and the easy smiles on their lips gave off a comfortable feeling. Summer Lancaster stretched lazily and closed her eyes, basking in the sunlight. Suddenly, a pair of arms wrapped around her waist.
"Awake?" Kenneth Yates’s warm breath washed over her.
"Mhm," Summer Lancaster replied, turning to face him. "Did you not sleep at all? You must be exhausted. Is this trip for something really troublesome?"
Kenneth Yates smiled and pulled her into an embrace. "It’s nothing. I’ll take care of everything."
"Is there anything I can do to help?" Summer Lancaster asked, looking up at him.
"All you have to do is be good."
...
Later, they changed their clothes and went down to the restaurant on the first floor, but Eleanor Grant and Zane Fletcher were nowhere to be seen.
"Where are Secretary Grant and Fletcher?" Summer Lancaster asked Kenneth Yates, confused. The restaurant was nearly empty. ’It’s probably still too early,’ she thought. ’Everyone must still be asleep.’
"They went to Lancer yesterday. We’ll be heading there soon as well."
After a simple breakfast, Summer Lancaster and Kenneth Yates headed to Lancer—the company that had released a jewelry line identical to My Queen. Kenneth Yates had heard rumors about Lancer’s CEO; he was a man of formidable means who would stop at nothing to get what he wanted. ’But we’ve never crossed paths before,’ Kenneth mused. ’Why would he pick a fight with a company from our country?’
